Oxidation of alcohols with hydrogen peroxide in water catalyzed by recyclable keggin-type tungstoborate catalyst

Different kinds of alcohols were efficiently transformed into corresponding ketones catalyzed by a Lacunary Keggin polyoxometalate of K8[BW11O39H]·13H2O in water with hydrogen peroxide. The system not only catalyzes the oxidation of alcohols but also avoids the use of organic solvent. The reactions were carried out in an aqueous/oil system. The catalyst was reused for the next cycle from the organic product by separation of the aqueous phase. High yields of ketones were obtained in oxidation of secondary alcohols. Benzyl alcohol was converted to benzaldehyde in high conversion and selectivity.